FIVE people, including an 18-month-old baby girl, cheated death today after they were rescued from their blazing home.

The toddler, her 12-year-old brother, a 21-year-old woman and two men, aged 20 and 30, were rescued from the blaze in Wirral just after 3am.

All five were taken to Arrowe Park hospital, but the 20-year-old was later transferred to a specialist unit at Whiston hospital suffering 50% burns.

The fire at the terraced house in Lucerne Road, Seacombe, is thought to have been sparked by a faulty kitchen appliance.

Neighbours raised the alarm and paramedics and fire crews rushed to the scene, with firefighters forcing their way into the flames to rescue the family, who were trapped on the first floor of the building.

They also carried a pet Alsatian and an iguana to safety. One firefighter twisted his knee during the rescue.

Steve Byrne, watch manager at Wallasey fire station, said: "It was a horrific fire - one of the worst I have seen.

"There was thick, black acrid smoke pouring from the building and at first we did not know how many people were inside.

"The fire crews had to resuscitate all five and the pavement was littered with bodies as firefighters performed first aid before paramedics arrived.

"These people were very lucky to be alive, because they did not have smoke alarms. Fortunately, neighbours were very helpful and gave us information which meant we could get them out quickly."

Neighbour Lynette Davis, 26, said: "We could see people being carried out by the fire service and they were just lying on the ground not moving.

"I saw the little baby being pulled out and everyone was very shocked."

Mother-of-two Becky Hughes, 23, said: "I would see the family when I popped out to the shops and it is really sad they are all now in hospital."

Police were at the house this morning, but are not treating the fire as suspicious.

Firefighters warned again of the dangers of not having smoke detectors.